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Biomedical subjects

T Blöndal

Publications and source records attributed to T Blöndal.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed2004

Obesity and nocturnal gastro-oesophageal reflux are related to onset of asthma and respiratory symptoms.

Several studies have identified obesity as a risk factor for asthma in both children and adults. An increased prevalence of asthma in subjects with gastro-oesophageal reflux (GOR) and obstructive sleep apnoea syndrome has also been reported. The aim of this investigation was to study obesity, nocturnal GOR and snoring as independent risk factors for onset of asthma and respiratory symptoms in a Nordic population. In a 5-10 yr follow-up study of the European Community Respiratory Health Survey in Iceland, Norway, Denmark, Sweden and Estonia, a postal questionnaire was sent to previous respondents. A total of 16,191 participants responded to the questionnaire. Reported onset of asthma, wheeze and night-time symptoms as well as nocturnal GOR and habitual snoring increased in prevalence along with the increase in body mass index (BMI). After adjusting for nocturnal GOR, habitual snoring and other confounders, obesity (BMI >30) remained significantly related to the onset of asthma, wheeze and night-time symptoms. Nocturnal GOR was independently related to the onset of asthma and in addition, both nocturnal GOR and habitual snoring were independently related to onset of wheeze and night-time symptoms. This study adds evidence to an independent relationship between obesity, nocturnal gastro-oesophageal reflux and habitual snoring and the onset of asthma and respiratory symptoms in adults.

Adult↗
PubMed2001

Cloning, sequence analysis and functional characterization of DNA polymerase I from the thermophilic eubacterium Rhodothermus marinus.

A gene encoding a DNA polymerase I from the thermophilic eubacterium Rhodothermus marinus was identified. The gene was cloned, sequenced and expressed in Escherichia coli. The gene is 2772 bp long and encodes a protein of 924 amino acids with a calculated molecular mass of 104.8 kDa. Sequence analysis showed that a generally conserved Phe residue in the O-helix is substituted by a Tyr (position 756) in the R. marinus enzyme. A Tyr in this position decreases the discrimination against dideoxynucleotides which is a major advantage in DNA sequencing. The protein was purified, characterized and showed to contain specific DNA-polymerization activity of 3100 units/mg of protein, 5'-->3' exonuclease activity and a 3'-->5' proofreading activity. Its optimum activity was at 55 degrees C and it had a half-life of 2 min at 90 degrees C. A truncated form of the enzyme lacking the 5'-->3' exonuclease domain was also expressed in E. coli. It had a specific DNA-polymerization activity of 5000 units/mg of protein and lacked the 5'-->3' exonuclease activity. Its optimum activity was at 65 degrees C and it had a half-life of 11 min at 90 degrees C. It was usable for DNA sequencing. This is the first thermostable DNA polymerase described with the O-helix Phe-->Tyr substitution.

Amino Acid Sequence↗
PubMed2000

Long PCR detection of the C4A null allele in B8-C4AQ0-C4B1-DR3.

The genes coding for the two components of complement 4 (C4), C4A and C4B, are located within the major histocompatibility complex (MHC) on the short arm of chromosome 6. Several studies have shown that deficiency of C4A is associated with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), rheumatoid arthritis and scleroderma. A large deletion covering most of the C4A gene and the 21-hydroxylase-A (21-OHA) pseudogene found on the extended haplotype B8-C4AQ0-C4B1-DR3 is estimated to account for approximately two-thirds of C4A deficiency in Caucasian SLE patients. Detection of this C4A null allele has been technically difficult due to the high degree of homology between C4A and C4B, with protein analysis and restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) analysis using Southern blotting being the only approaches available. In this study, a long PCR strategy was used to rapidly genotype for the C4A deletion through specific primer design. The methodology makes use of the unique sequence of the G11 gene upstream of C4A and the sequence of a 6.4 kb retrotransposon, the human endogenous retrovirus HERV-K(C4), which is present in intron 9 of C4A but absent in the case of the deletion.

Alleles↗
PubMed1999

Cloning, sequence analysis and overexpression of a rhodothermus marinus gene encoding a thermostable thymidine kinase.

Thymidine kinase type II is an important part of the pyrimidine salvage pathway. The thymidine kinase gene from the thermophilic eubacterium Rhodothermus marinus was cloned, sequenced and overexpressed. The gene is 639 bp and encodes a protein of 213 amino acids with a calculated molecular mass of 23.6 kDa. It shows homology to other thymidine kinase proteins from eukaryotic and prokaryotic organisms. The recombinant protein is inhibited by dNTPs but not by dNDPs. It is a tetramer in its native state. Its optimum temperature of activity is 65 degrees C and it has a half life of 15 min at 90 degrees C. This is the first thymidine kinase to be described from a thermophilic bacterium.

Amino Acid Sequence↗
PubMed1999

Effects of nicotine nasal spray on atherogenic and thrombogenic factors during smoking cessation.

OBJECTIVES: To investigate changes in cardiovascular risk factor parameters when stopping smoking and to identify any impact of nicotine nasal spray on these factors. DESIGN AND SUBJECTS: In a placebo-controlled, double-blind 3-month prospective study, nicotine nasal spray (NNS) or a placebo was given to 157 subjects attending a smoking cessation programme. Blood samples from 46 subjects who remained abstinent for 3 months were analysed. Nasal spray use was given on an ad libitum basis. RESULTS: The haemoglobin (Hb) decreased from 149.0 to 143.2 g L(-1) (P<0.001). The haematocrit (Hct) decreased from 44.6 to 42.4% (P<0.001). The mean corpuscular volume (MCV) decreased from 93.4 to 92.3 fl (P<0.001). The mean corpuscular haemoglobin concentration (MCHC) increased from 333.9 to 338.1 g L(-1) (P = 0.029). The white blood cell count (WBC) decreased from 8.4 to 6.6x10(9) L(-1) (P<0.001). The total cholesterol decreased from 5.92 to 5.65 mmol L(-1) (P = 0.015). The high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL) increased from 1.29 to 1.44 mmol L(-1) (P = 0.48) and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL) decreased from 4.00 to 3.54 mmol L(-1) (P = 0.004). The HDL/LDL ratio increased from 0.36 to 0.46 (P = 0.011). CONCLUSION: Stopping smoking resulted in positive effects on cardiovascular risk factors. Nicotine treatment for as long as 3 months did not have any significant effect on these 'stopping smoking changes'. In smoking cessation, nicotine substitution up to 3 months seems to be safe.

Administration, Inhalation↗
PubMed1997

A double-blind randomized trial of nicotine nasal spray as an aid in smoking cessation.

The objective of the study was to evaluate the therapeutic efficacy of nicotine nasal solution (NNS) for smoking cessation from the stopping day up to 3 months. We also followed the participants for 2 yrs after ceasing smoking to assess what happens after stopping using NNS. In a placebo-controlled, double-blind, 2 yr prospective study, 157 smokers were given either NNS, one dose containing 1 mg of nicotine per 100 microL (n=79), or placebo (n=78). Treatment was continued for up to 1 yr. One day after quitting smoking, the average number of daily doses was 11 in the group assigned NNS and 14 in the group assigned the placebo, and after 6 weeks, 14 and 6 doses, respectively, among abstinent participants still using spray. After 3 months, 65% of the abstainers in the nicotine group were still using the NNS. The abstinence rates were 51, 39 and 29% after 6 weeks, 3 and 6 months, respectively, as compared to 24, 19 and 18% in the placebo group (p=0.0003; p=0.003; p=0.050). The proportion abstinent at the 1 yr (25 vs 17%) and 2 yr follow-ups (19 vs 14%) was higher among those assigned to the nicotine than to the placebo group, but not significantly so for the numbers used in the study. In conclusion, the use of nicotine nasal spray significantly increased the abstinence rate during the first 6 months following the quitting day.

Administration, Intranasal↗
PubMed1995

[Tuberculosis control in Scandinavia].

Compared with the rest of the world, the situation regarding tuberculosis is favourable in the Nordic countries. In 1993, the incidence for persons born in respective country (per 100,000 of the population) was 4.1 in Denmark, 3.2 in Iceland and Sweden, 3.8 in Norway and 10.0 in Finland. The respective average figures for foreign-born residents were 6-14 times higher. Programmes for contending with tuberculosis have been uniform in the Nordic countries, with the exception of BCG (bacillus Calmette-Guérin) vaccination policy, though childhood tuberculosis is rare in the area. However, tuberculosis represents a manifest problem among the foreign-born population, first and foremost among the increasing number of refugees.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1989

Controlled trial of nicotine polacrilex gum with supportive measures.

In a placebo-controlled, double-blind, 2-year prospective study, 182 smokers were given either nicotine polacrilex gum containing 4 mg of nicotine (n = 92) or a placebo (n = 90). The number of participants abstinent at 2-year follow-up was 41 (44.6%) of 92 in the nicotine group vs 28 (31.1%) of 90 in the placebo group. Abstinence rates for daily nicotine gum users (n = 64) at 12 months and again at 24 months remained 48.4%, as compared with 26.1% and 31.9% for the daily placebo gum users (n = 69). Of participants with a high nicotine-dependence score, those allotted to the nicotine group rather than to the placebo group were 13 times more likely to be abstaining at the 2-year follow-up. Use of nicotine polacrilex gum, therefore, can substantially aid in stopping smoking, particularly among highly dependent smokers.

Adult↗
PubMed1983

An unnecessary case of paraffin oil pneumonia.

A 64-year-old woman died after 12 years of progressive pulmonary disease which was initially diagnosed as sarcoidosis but later correctly identified as mineral oil pneumonia due to insufflation of paraffin instilled as nasal drops. In view of the potential damaging effect of liquid paraffin on the lungs, the current indications for its use must be strongly questioned.

Autopsy↗
PubMed1983

Nuclear DNA in carcinoid tumours of the lung.

Fluorescence cytophotometric DNA measurements on 15 carcinoid tumours generally yielded histograms with a prominent G1-phase peak and only low frequencies of S- and G2-phase nuclei. In 13 tumours the modal DNA value was near diploid (1.75-2.25). Three of these 15 tumours showed a much greater number of S- and G2-phase values than the others and in two of them there were also G1-phase peaks below the near-diploid range. Among 22 samples of small cell carcinoma of the lung (SCCL), the modal DNA value was hypodiploid in two, near diploid in seven and hyperdiploid in 13. The proportion of S-phase cells was higher in the SCCL samples than in the carcinoid tumours. It is suggested that the nuclear DNA distribution profile may facilitate morphological discrimination of a classical pulmonary carcinoid from small cell carcinoma. In a borderline case, the finding of a hyperdiploid DNA stem line and high proliferative activity will favour the diagnosis of SCCL.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1982

Fluorescence cytophotometric measurements of nuclear DNA in adenocarcinoma of the lung; relation of proliferative activity and DNA ploidy to prognosis.

Nuclear DNA measurements on specimens of adenocarcinomas of the lung obtained at surgery from 22 patients showed that in 8 tumors the cells were near diploid and slowly proliferating. These 8 tumors displayed a higher degree of histopathologic differentiation than did the remaining 14 adenocarcinomas. In 3 of the 14 more poorly differentiated tumors the cells were also near diploid but had more S-phase DNA values, indicating increased proliferative activity. In 11 tumors aneuploid DNA stem line or lines were noted. Among patients with slowly growing near-diploid tumors the frequency of tumor recurrence and/or metastases (1 of 8) was lower than among those with more rapidly proliferating near-diploid tumors and aneuploid tumors (9 of 14). Nuclear DNA histogram patterns yielded information about the tumor proliferation activity, modal DNA value and occurrence of aneuploid DNA values. Furthermore, prognostic information about the likelihood of tumor recurrence after surgical treatment was obtained. This information can be utilized in the choice of therapy and in prognostic evaluation.

Adenocarcinoma↗
PubMed1982

Diagnostic application of nuclear DNA measurements on bronchial secretions.

Bronchial washings from 254 patients with suspected pulmonary malignancy were investigated independently by two methods: bronchial cytologic examination and DNA measurements. For the latter, aneuploidy was used as a criterion of malignancy. At the time of the clinical follow-up, pulmonary malignancy had been verified by histopathologic examination in 91 of these 254 patients. For bronchial cytology the sensitivity was 40% and the specificity was 98%; for the DNA measurements the sensitivity was 37% and the specificity was 99%. Used in combination, the two methods showed a sensitivity of 46% and a specificity of 98%.

Adult↗
PubMed1981

The choice of operation for bronchial carcinoids.

In a review of the literature, 1,392 patients with bronchial carcinoids were found. Of these, there were 313 patients for whom individual data with regard to type of operation, follow-up period, and outcome were given. Actuarial curves for proportions of patients who had not died of the disease or who had not undergone reoperation for residual disease were constructed for each type of operation. The prognosis up to 20 years after surgical treatment for bronchial carcinoids is excellent. For 15 to 20 years postoperatively, the prognosis after a lobectomy is excellent and after a pneumonectomy, slightly worse. The prognosis after a lung parenchyma-saving operation (wedge or segmental resection and bronchoplastic procedures) is similar to that after a lobectomy up to 7 years postoperatively. After that, the proportion of disease-free patients declines precipitously. At 20 years the difference in comparison with a lobectomy is statistically significant for both wedge or segmental resections and bronchoplastic procedures. Parenchyma-saving operations cannot therefore be said to be radical. A policy for decision-making at the operating table is formulated.

Actuarial Analysis↗
PubMed1981

Circulating IgE levels in patients with bronchial carcinoma.

Serum IgE measurements in 107 patients with bronchial carcinoma revealed statistically significant elevations when compared to a control population. Serum IgE elevation was seen in 21.5% of the sample (23 of 107) and in all histological types at all clinical stages of the disease. It appears to occur early in the disease or possibly before the development of the carcinoma.

Adenocarcinoma↗
PubMed1981

Nuclear DNA measurements in squamous cell carcinoma of the lung: a guide for prognostic evaluation.

Cytophotometric analysis of nuclear DNA in 30 squamous cell carcinomas showed in most tumours a peak value near 2c (diploid) or 3 c (aneuploid), and a wide distribution of other nuclear DNA values. A follow-up study showed that the prognosis was best for patients with diploid tumour cells and worst for patients with aneuploid tumour cells. The DNA histogram patterns give information about the dominating DNA ploidy of the tumour cells; in some tumours information about the tumour proliferation activity is also provided. These data are useful in prognostic evaluation and may prove useful as adjuncts in the diagnosis and in selection of treatment.

Aged↗